Joint Research Unit created to research 5G

08 May 2014

IMDEA Networks Institute and Telefónica Research and Development announce the creation of a Joint Research Unit (JRU) named “Telefónica – IMDEA Networks Joint Research Unit in 5G technologies”. The development of 5G has already become a landmark in the global competition for technological leadership. Over the next seven years, this private-public alliance will share a wealth of know-how and in-house capabilities to tackle the challenge of creating a blueprint for the new technology and the standards that are to define future ICT networks.

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The aim of the JRU Telefónica I+D – IMDEA Networks is to establish a strategic partnership that provides an operational framework for close interaction in a varied set of scientific activities. In particular, the JRU will bring together a team comprising highly specialized multidisciplinary profiles ready to work collaboratively on externally-funded R&D projects. One of the main areas in which this collaboration will be reflected is the program “Advanced 5G Network Infrastructure for Future Internet PPP", sponsored by the EU Commission within the "Horizon 2020" program.

Both entities are strongly involved in the European effort to create 5G, the next (and fifth) generation of mobile networks. In effect, they are part of the 5G Infrastructure Association, a body whose membership is limited to 36 key stakeholders from industry, academia, independent organizations and SMEs. This partnership operates with a 7 billion euro program budget up to the year 2020. It intends to deliver solutions, architectures, technologies and standards to create Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructures and intelligent communication networks that are ubiquitous, robust, flexible, interoperable and cost effective.

Located at IMDEA Networks’ headquarters in Madrid, the private-public alliance Telefónica I+D – IMDEA Networks will share a wealth of know-how and in-house capabilities to tackle the challenge of creating a blueprint for the new technology and the standards that are to define future ICT networks. Work led by experienced researchers Diego R. López and Pedro Aranda Gutiérrez, from Telefónica I+D and Arturo Azcorra, Joerg Widmer and Albert Banchs, from IMDEA Networks, will focus on key 5G enablers such as flexible functional split, joint handover optimization, 60GHz wireless networks, network function operating systems, secure virtual computing and green networking.

The development of 5G has already become a landmark in the global competition for technological leadership. Its potential impact goes beyond the boundaries of the telecommunications sector and influences any area where communications are applied, such as transport, health or logistics. 5G promises advancements such as 1000 times higher wireless area capacity for 7 billion people and 7 trillion objects, 90% energy savings per service provided, the reduction of the average service creation time cycle from 90 days to 90 minutes, and the creation of a secure and reliable Internet, with “zero perceived” downtime for services. The European Commission estimates that today’s ICT market contributes to 6% of Europe's GDP and employs more than 7 million people.